Is BDC too big to change?
Canadian VCs who rely on the Crown corporation have feedback on its “steady hand” approach. Who’s listening?
Govt
Feds’ $6.6-billion Defence Industrial Strategy takes aim at building a “robust” Canadian defence sector
DIS outlines a “build-partner-buy” framework and plans to name “national champions.”
Ottawa, Gatineau launch defence innovation task force in bid for NATO defence bank
Task force features mayors, a retired general, and leaders from One9 and Ranovus.
The feds asked investors for candid feedback on BDC. It was never actioned
BetaKit-obtained 2023 report outlines private-sector grievances with Canada’s largest VC.
Canada’s new AI strategy is off to a bad start
Canadians already have low trust in AI. Exclusionary and unclear public engagement methods aren’t helping.
To build AI trust, the federal government should show us its prompts
Plus: Y Combinator reverses decision on Canadian-domiciled startups.
An insider’s take on Canada’s AI task force report
Former ISED senior policy advisor Jaxson Khan on how public consultations might inform Canada’s AI future.
pHathom Technologies raises $4 million to pilot its coastal carbon-capture tech
Halifax climate tech startup hopes to deploy full-scale commercial projects by 2030.
We read every submission from Canada’s AI task force: here’s what they said
Nearly 350 pages of recommendations sketch a fractured but urgent road map for Canada’s AI future.
Ottawa releases findings from AI task force and public consultation
Government used AI to parse more than 11,000 submissions that will inform Canada’s new AI strategy.
Invest Alberta’s Rick Christiaanse unexpectedly resigns as CEO
Crown corporation’s former COO is now acting CEO.
BDC head says bank pulled back from life sciences “too early” as it preps new VC fund
Upcoming life sciences fund to invest directly in companies from a more than $100-million envelope.
This U of T-led program is helping Canada find its place in the global EV market
The EVIO program will park grad students with EV companies to keep the best talent at home.
Q&A: Why Canada shouldn’t ban kids from social media
Tech policy advocate Josh Tabish on why he thinks regulation shouldn’t necessarily mean restriction.
Q&A: BDC Capital’s head on why Canadian defence tech investments are heating up
Geneviève Bouthillier unpacks recent investments in Irréversible and Canada Rocket Company.